Using tragedy to teach dangers of texting while driving

The car that a teenager died in is parked outside Roosevelt High School in Seattle, May 17, 2011.

Paula Wissel/KPLU

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How do you convince someone not to text or talk on the cell phone while driving? How about an in-your- face reminder of what can happen if you do? That's the tactic Seattle Police have been using this week.

On Tuesday morning, Seattle Police Officer Kipp Strong stood outside Roosevelt High School next to the car. Kids walked by and stared or laughed nervously.

"This is what happens to somebody when they decide to check their text message when they’re driving their car. Heather was a 19 year old honor student, working her way through college. She hit a guard rail on her way home,” he told the students.

Heather's parents donated the wreckage to the Washington State Patrol so police can use it for safety demonstrations like this one. They also speak to school assemblies.